Senior or Lead Research Specialist | NHP Feeding and Social Behavior | Yerkes National Primate Research Center

[Kelly Ethun, DVM, PhD, DACLAM]

Greetings!

If you are someone with prior nonhuman primate experience with an interest in nonhuman primate feeding behavior and/or social group management, this is an amazing opportunity for you to make a positive impact on the physical and social health of captive nonhuman primates bred for biomedical research.

The Nutritional and Reproductive Medicine Lab within the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University has an immediate opening for a full-time Lead or Senior Research Specialist, interested in nonhuman primate feeding, social, and breeding behavior. This position will contribute primarily to a newly NIH-funded study aimed to develop new methodology for social health surveillance and efficient reproductive management strategies for our specific pathogen-free rhesus macaque breeding colony. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary research team of veterinary scientists, behaviorists, and data scientists. Using formal behavioral observational methods, this position will record and analyze feeding behavior as well as social and sexual dyadic interactions between nonhuman primates living in large outdoor enclosures at the Yerkes Field Station (Lawrenceville, GA). As such, the selected candidate should be able to conduct intensive behavioral observations (4+ hours per day, up to 4 days per week) in an outdoor setting and achieve inter-observer reliabilities on 2-3 social groups, each housing up to 100 adult monkeys.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, able to work independently, and have a positive attitude and passion for research. 

Please note: The level of Research Specialist position offered (Lead Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist) to the selected finalist will be determined after the completion of the interview processes and will be based on meeting or exceeding the Minimum Qualifications for either the Lead or Senior level position as included in the details below, under the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS heading, and the preferred qualifications.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Lead Research Specialist:

• Under minimal supervision, performs a variety of specialized and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures.
• Uses independent judgment in applying or adapting scientific techniques.
• May assist in protocol design.
• Investigates and proposes alternative experimental procedures for consideration by a principal investigator.
• Assists in planning and scheduling research procedures.
• Analyzes and interprets results of studies.
• Demonstrates and trains others in the proper use/operation of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Calibrate, troubleshoots, and performs routine repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitors laboratory processes to maintain quality assurance standards.
• Records results of studies, compiles and analyzes data and prepares charts and graphs.
• Monitors the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

 Senior Research Specialist:

• Independently performs a wide range of highly technical and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures.
• Devises highly specialized research procedures by applying a knowledge of advanced research techniques and equipment.
• Provides input to protocol development.
• Serves as a technical resource for other research personnel.
• Analyzes and interprets the results of studies.
• Investigates and recommends alternative approaches to improve the quality of results.
• Trains research staff in specialized procedures and theoretical concepts for unique tests.
• Recommends new equipment and supplies needed for specialized procedures.
• Provides input into the development of departmental goals and objectives.
• May assist in grant and other funding application preparation.
• Prepares written materials, charts and graphs on specialized techniques and research results for publication or presentation.
• Oversees quality assurance of research performed by others.

Both:

• Reviews literature for related research developments and techniques and compiles findings.
• Monitors the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Performs related responsibilities as required by the principal investigator.
• Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Lead Research Specialist

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field
• Two years of research experience

Senior Research Specialist

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field
• Four years of research experience
• OR
  Equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience utilizing formal behavioral observation methods and techniques to monitor and record social and breeding behavior of nonhuman primates or other highly social animals living in large groups.
• Applied knowledge of the principles and practices of animal behavioral observation and data collection.
• Skills to use handheld electronic devices to collect behavioral data.
• Basic knowledge of nonhuman primate behavior and social structures.
• Accustomed to working outdoors.
• Familiarity through prior experience with RFID technology, PoE technology, IP cameras, and other digital video cameras.
• Prior experience with troubleshooting and repairing PoE devices will be considered a plus, but not a requirement.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office and Office 365 applications.
• Experience using MS Excel, MS Access, Smartsheets, or REDCap for data entry, upload, review, and maintenance.
• Experience with MySQL or other database management systems.
• Familiarity with the basic concepts of python programming.
• Experience with data analytical programs such as R/RStudio, Stata, SPSS, or SAS/JMP.
• Experience following research protocols with attention to detail.
• Independent thinking and problem-solving skills for research and technical problems.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to act with integrity and professionalism.

 WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

On-site work hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M, arrival/departure times may vary up to 1 hour in accordance with an approved 40-hour flexible work schedule.
Perform diversified tasks that may require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping, or standing up to 8 hours per day. Work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves, and headcovers. Work environment involves being outdoors and employees may be required to perform behavioral observations during high ambient temperatures (under shade coverage).

To apply, please visit Emory. jobs Job number 75032

Question pertaining to job qualifications can be directed to Kelly Ethun, DVM, PhD (kelly....@emory.edu).